Biodegradable water soluble tampon applicator and process and apparatus to manufacture same

ABSTRACT

A substantially biodegradable and water soluble tampon applicator comprising: a plunger and a barrel, said plunger being of a predetermined length, and having a first end and a second end, said second end being a predetermined distance from said first end, said plunger being substantially cylindrical in shape and having a first diameter at said first end and a second diameter at said second end, wherein said first diameter tapers downwards to said second diameter, proximate said first end, said plunger further comprises a first mating portion, said barrel having a first end and a second end, said second end being a predetermined distance from said first end, said barrel being substantially cylindrical in shape and having a diameter greater than the first diameter of said plunger, proximate said first end of said barrel, there is provided a second mating portion to matingly engage said first mating portion of said plunger to maintain said plunger in relation to said barrel in a first position, proximate said first end of said barrel, adjacent said second mating portion, said barrel further comprises a fingergrip.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of and claims priority to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/978,285, filed Jul. 3, 2013, which is a U.S.National Phase Entry of and claims priority to International PatentApplication No. PCT/CA2012/000015, filed Jan. 6, 2012, which claimspriority to U.S. Patent Application No. 61/430,711, filed Jan. 7, 2011,each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a biodegradable water soluble tamponapplicator and processes and apparatus to manufacture same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There is a large environmental concern surrounding Feminine Hygieneproducts. A woman uses about 16,800 tampons or sanitary pads in herlifetime. Waste consultant Franklin Associates reports that 6.5 billiontampons end up in landfills or sewage systems in the USA. About 2.5million tampons, 1.4 million pads & 700,000 panty liners were flushedaway daily.

Tampon Applicators in current commercial use are typically made fromeither an insoluble plastic or a flushable smooth surfaced cardboard.Plastic tampon applicators are preferred by women but are typically madeof insoluble polyethylene using an injection-molding process. Theseplastic tampon applicators have always posed and still pose asignificant environmental and aesthetic problem as they continue to beflushed down toilets in alarming numbers instead of being disposed ofwith the dry trash. This is a continued annoyance as plastic tamponapplicators also have a tendency to wash up on local beaches and wreakhavoc on municipal treatment plants.

Although cardboard is considered to be more environmentally friendlycompared to plastic, it still requires up to 6 months to fully dissolvewhen disposed of in a toilet.

Furthermore, cardboard applicators are less popular among females dueprimarily to the insertion difficulties that are associated withcardboard applicators. These difficulties range from the lack of stronggrip rings to inferior slip characteristics and lack of comfortablepetal shaped or conical shaped tips.

Cardboard tampon applicators can also be more difficult to shape andmore difficult to make smooth cuts (i.e. petal cuts) that will not causeissues on insertion, such as inconvenience and lack of comfort.

Cardboard tampon applicators are commonly thought of as less comfortableto insert and are more difficult to form into shapes other than uniformcylindrical tubes.

Many cardboard tampon applicators are coated with a non-compostablecoating to strengthen the applicator and/or reduce the coefficient offriction rendering the tampon applicator less environmentally friendly.

Furthermore, cardboard tampon applicators tend to collect grease as theytravel through the wastewater system causing serious problems withgrease balls.

The gripping structures on cardboard tampon applicators are typicallyformed after the cardboard has been formed into tube-like shapes. Thisresults in an added processing step, which translates to increased cost.

Currently there is no type of indicia, such as branding, logos, or amessage on the tampon applicator, available in the market place.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a biodegradabletampon applicator which is environmentally friendly and substantiallywater soluble.

It is another object of the invention to provide a biodegradable tamponapplicator with at least one finger grip to aid the user during theinsertion of the applicator in to the vaginal vault.

It is also another object of the invention to provide a biodegradabletampon applicator with improvements to reduce inconvenience and/orinjury during insertion of the tampon into the vaginal vault.

It is another object of the invention to provide a film forming processto manufacture a biodegradable tampon applicator.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide a pin to be used inthe film forming process to manufacture a tampon applicator.

It is another object of the invention to provide a tampon applicatorwith at least one indicium thereon.

Further and other objects of the invention will become apparent to thoseskilled in the art from the following summary of the invention, figures,detailed descriptions of the invention, examples and appended claims.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a first pinhaving a predetermined length, to form a plunger of a tampon applicator,and a second pin having a predetermined length, to form a barrel of atampon applicator. The first pin has a first end and a second end, saidsecond end being a predetermined distance from said first end. The firstpin is substantially column shaped. Said second end of said first pinbeing substantially dome shaped. Along said first pin, adjacent saiddome is a peripheral depression ring. Said first pin having a diametercommencing at said first end and terminating at said second end, whereinsaid diameter of said first pin tapers downward from said first end tosaid second end. The second pin has a first end and a second end, saidsecond end being a predetermined distance from said first end. Thesecond pin is substantially column shaped. Said second pin has adiameter commencing at said first end and terminating at said secondend, wherein said diameter of said second pin tapers downward from saidfirst end to said second end. Said second end of said second pin issubstantially dome shaped. Proximate said first end of said second pinis a peripheral depression ring. Said second pin further comprises aperipheral flange proximate said first end and adjacent said depressionring. The diameter of said second pin is greater than the diameter ofsaid first pin. Each of said pins are used in a film forming process toform a tampon applicator. In a preferred embodiment, at least one ofsaid pins further comprises at least one indicium such that saidindicium will be transposed onto at least one of said barrel or plunger.Preferably said indicium comprises a marketing message, logo, healthmessage or the like.

Said plunger and barrel being formed by exposing said first and secondpin respectively to a composition that forms a film on each of saidpins, such that the plunger and barrel formed therefrom will exhibitproperties suitable to allow the plunger and barrel to operate togetheras a tampon applicator that is substantially biodegradable andsubstantially water soluble.

In one aspect of the invention, the pins are preferably dipped into acomposition comprising at least one compound selected from the groupconsisting of substantially biodegradable, substantially water solublefilm forming compound, cellulose ether, hydrocolloid, sequesteringagent, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, starch, pullulan, film former, andPolyvinyl Alcohol. The composition may further comprise at least oneadditive to assist in the film forming process, a plasticizer, agelatinizing agent, carrageenan, gellan gum and other additives.Suitable compositions for the tampon applicator of this invention may befound in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,526,683, 5,264,223, 5,432,917 andUS2010/0168410 herein incorporated by reference. The compositionstherein have been used to manufacture oral capsules but have not beenused to manufacture tampon applicators. Preferably, in one embodiment,the composition is comprised of from about 90 to about 99.98% by weightof a cellulose ether or mixture of cellulose ethers with water contentof about 2 to about 10%, from about 0.01 to about 5% by weight of ahydrocolloid or mixtures of hydrocolloids, and from about 0.01 to about5% by weight of a sequestering agent or agents. In another embodiment,the composition is preferably from about 5 to about 25 parts by weightof a water-soluble cellulose derivative, from about 0.1 to about 0.5parts by weight of a gelatinizing agent and from about 0.01 to about 0.5parts by weight of an auxiliary for gelation. The pins are dipped intothe composition for a predetermined period of time to allow thecomposition to form a film on each of said pins. Preferably each pin issubstantially lubricated prior to being dipped into the composition, toassist in the removal of the film from said pin after dipping into thecomposition. Suitable lubricants include, but are not limited to,Lecithin & Lecithin/mineral oil. Once the pins have been dipped into thecomposition, the pins are removed from the composition and thecomposition is allowed to dry on the pins until the moisture content ofthe film is in a suitable range, preferably about 3-7%. The thickness ofsaid film is preferably in the range of about 1.5 to 3 millimeters. Inanother embodiment of the invention, the pins are sprayed with thecomposition. Film forming technology can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos.2,526,683, 5,264,223, 5,431,917 and US 2010/0168410 which relate to filmforming technologies for capsules used in the pharmaceutical industry,herein incorporated by reference. Once the film has dried to thedesirable moisture level, the film is stripped from each of the pinsinto a cylindrical tube, preferably a collet, wherein the ends oppositethe domed ends are cut to a precise finish. The plunger dome end is cutto ensure the string portion of the pledget is pushed through theplunger and out the second end. Preferably said cut is in the range of2-10 millimeters.

The barrel dome end is cut, to allow the pledget to be pushed throughthe barrel and into the vaginal vault without substantial obstruction,whilst maintaining said pledget in said barrel during packaging,transportation and during the act of inserting the pledget into thevaginal vault. In one embodiment, said cut is in the range of 5-13millimeters, in another embodiment, said cut is a series of petal likecuts, wherein a cut is made along the dome of the barrel and at leastone more cut is made at preferably 90 degrees to said first cut, forminga petal like cut, preferably said cut is 5-15 millimeters in depth.Regardless of the cut made, the cuts are preferably smooth to avoidissues during insertion in to the vaginal vault, and allow the pledgetto be inserted into the vaginal vault.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided atampon applicator comprising a plunger and a barrel, preferably made byfilm forming technology, even more preferably using the pins describedherein. Said plunger and barrel being made of a composition that issubstantially biodegradable and substantially water soluble, preferablybeing made of a composition described herein. Said plunger being of apredetermined length, and having a first end and a second end. Saidsecond end being a predetermined distance from said first end. Saidplunger being substantially cylindrical in shape and having a firstdiameter at said first end and a second diameter at said second end,wherein said first diameter tapers downwards to said second diameter.Proximate said first end, said plunger further comprises a first matingportion, preferably a peripheral depression ring. Said barrel having afirst end and a second end. Said second end being a predetermineddistance from said first end. Said barrel being substantiallycylindrical in shape and having a diameter greater than the firstdiameter of said plunger, to allow for a substantially “snug” fit of theplunger into said barrel whilst preventing the plunger from extendingbeyond the end of said barrel and entering the vaginal vault. Proximatesaid first end of said barrel, there is provided a second mating portionto matingly engage said first mating portion of said plunger to maintainsaid plunger in relation to said barrel in a first position, and toprevent the plunger from separating from said barrel during packaging,handling and shipping. Preferably said second mating portion is aperipheral depression ring, to matingly engage the peripheral depressionring of said plunger. Proximate said first end of said barrel, adjacentsaid second mating portion, said barrel further comprises a fingergriparea to assist a user in gripping the barrel of the tampon applicatorwhilst pushing the plunger into the barrel causing the tampon to beinserted into the vaginal vault. In a preferred embodiment, thefingergrip area is substantially flange like.

In a preferred embodiment, said tampon applicator further comprises atleast one indicium. Preferably, said at least one indicium comprises amarketing message, logo, health message or the like. Preferably, said atleast one indicium is formed during the film forming process of saidbarrel or plunger. Preferably, said at least one indicium is situated onat least one of said barrel or plunger, or both, preferably as adepression or as an elevation. In yet another embodiment, said indiciumon each of said barrel and plunger, further acts as a locking mechanismto prevent the plunger from entering the vaginal vault.

According to another aspect of the invention, said tampon applicatorexhibits water dispersible qualities within a predetermined time periodthat will not have a substantially negative effect on the environment,home septic systems, toilets, and waste water treatment plants.Preferably the tampon applicator of the present invention issubstantially dissolvable in water having a temperature range of betweenabout 5-40 C, preferably ambient temperature, within about two hoursfrom exposure to said water. Preferably, said within about two hours isbased on a USP dissolution test discussed herein. The USP dissolutiontest simulates the tampon applicator once flushed in a toilet and movescontinuously as it makes its way to a sewage treatment plant.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following figures illustrate preferred and alternative embodimentsof the invention, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the pin for theplunger element of the tampon applicator according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the pin for thebarrel element of the tampon applicator according to the presentapplicator.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the plunger formed by the pin of FIG. 1according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the barrel formed by the pin of FIG. 2according to the present invention.

FIG. 5A is a side view of a barrel of the tampon applicator of FIGS. 3and 4, according to the present invention.

FIG. 5B is a side view of a plunger of the tampon applicator of FIGS. 3and 4, according to the present invention.

FIG. 5C is a side view of a barrel and plunger of the tampon applicatorof FIGS. 3 and 4 in a first position, according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 5D is a side section view of a barrel and plunger of the tamponapplicator of FIGS. 3 and 4 in a first position, according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 5E is a side view of a barrel and plunger of the tampon applicatorof FIGS. 3 and 4 in a second position, according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 5F is a perspective view of the tampon applicator of FIGS. 3 and 4,according to the present invention.

FIG. 6A is a side view of a barrel of a tampon applicator in anotherembodiment of the present invention, according to the present invention.

FIG. 6B is a side view of a plunger of a tampon applicator in anotherembodiment of the present invention, according to the present invention.

FIG. 6C is a side view of a barrel and plunger of a tampon applicator inanother embodiment of the present invention, according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 6D is a side section view of a barrel and plunger of a tamponapplicator in another embodiment of the present invention in a firstposition, according to the present invention.

FIG. 6E is a side view of a barrel and plunger of a tampon applicator inanother embodiment of the present invention in a second position,according to the present invention.

FIG. 6F is a perspective view of a tampon applicator in anotherembodiment of the present invention, according to the present invention.

FIG. 7A is a side view of a barrel of a tampon applicator in anotherembodiment of the present invention, according to the present invention.

FIG. 7B is a side view of a plunger of a tampon applicator in anotherembodiment of the present invention, according to the present invention.

FIG. 7C is a side view of a barrel and plunger of a tampon applicator inanother embodiment of the present invention, according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 7D is a side section view of a barrel and plunger of a tamponapplicator in another embodiment of the present invention in a firstposition, according to the present invention.

FIG. 7E a side view of a barrel and plunger of a tampon applicator inanother embodiment of the present invention in a second position,according to the present invention.

FIG. 7F is a perspective view of a tampon applicator in anotherembodiment of the present invention, according to the present invention.

FIG. 8A is a side view of a barrel of a tampon applicator in anotherembodiment of the present invention, according to the present invention.

FIG. 8B is a side view of a plunger of a tampon applicator in anotherembodiment of the present invention, according to the present invention.

FIG. 8C is a side view of a barrel and plunger of a tampon applicator inanother embodiment of the present invention, according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 8D is a side section view of a barrel and plunger of a tamponapplicator in another embodiment of the present invention in a firstposition, according to the present invention.

FIG. 8E a side view of a barrel and plunger of a tampon applicator inanother embodiment of the present invention in a second position,according to the present invention.

FIG. 8F is a perspective view of a tampon applicator in anotherembodiment of the present invention, according to the present invention.

FIG. 9A is a side view of a barrel of a tampon applicator in anotherembodiment of the present invention, according to the present invention.

FIG. 9B is a side view of a plunger of a tampon applicator in anotherembodiment of the present invention, according to the present invention.

FIG. 9C is a side view of a barrel and plunger of a tampon applicator inanother embodiment of the present invention, according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 9D is a side detail view of the mating of a barrel and plunger of atampon applicator in another embodiment of the present invention,according to the present invention.

FIG. 9E is a side view of a mating member of a plunger of a tamponapplicator in another embodiment of the present invention, according tothe present invention.

FIG. 9F is a cross-sectional view of a mating member of a barrel of atampon applicator in another embodiment of the present invention,according to the present invention.

FIG. 10A is a side view of a barrel of a tampon applicator in anotherembodiment of the present invention, according to the present invention.

FIG. 10B is a side view of a plunger of a tampon applicator in anotherembodiment of the present invention, according to the present invention.

FIG. 10C is a side view of a barrel and plunger of a tampon applicatorin another embodiment of the present invention, according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 10D is a side detail view of the mating of a barrel and plunger ofa tampon applicator in another embodiment of the present invention,according to the present invention.

FIG. 10E is a cross-sectional view of a mating member of a barrel of atampon applicator in another embodiment of the present invention,according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4, the plunger pin 10, has a lockingring 20 near the dome 30 as an indentation. The locking ring 20, ispreferably strong enough to hold the plunger 50 inside the barrel 60,and to allow the consumer to push the plunger 50 into the barrel 60 thusallowing the cotton tampon or pledget (not shown) to be pushed throughthe barrel 60 and into the vaginal vault.

The plunger pin 10 is slightly tapered from the dome 30 (smallerdiameter) to the end 40 away from the dome (larger diameter). This taperis meant to ensure a “snug” fit of the plunger 50 into the barrel 60 andprevent the plunger 50 from being pushed through the barrel 60. Thiswill prevent issues on insertion and it will prevent the plunger 50 fromentering the vaginal vault.

The barrel pin 80 of the tampon applicator has several features:

The barrel pin locking ring 90 appears near the end of the barrelfarthest away from the barrel pin dome 100. In order to create thebarrel pin locking ring 90, a “V” or “U” shaped indentation is designedto create a ring around the entire barrel 60 when the barrel pin 80 isdipped in the molten raw materials chosen based on the desiredcomposition.

In order to create the “finger-tip grip” 110 the barrel pin 80 flaresout, preferably at a 20 degree angle then flatten back out towards theend 120 opposite the dome end 100. This creates an outward flange thatwill serve as the finger tip grip 110. The barrel pin 80 furthercomprises an indicium 320 located thereon. The indicium 320 is eitherdepressed or raised along the body thereof. Similarly, the plunger pin10 may also have an indicium situated thereon (not shown). If both thebarrel pin 80 and plunger pin 10 each have an indicium thereon, theresulting indicium on the barrel 60 and plunger 80 will act not only asan indicium for marketing message, logo, health message or the like, butalso as a locking mechanism to prevent the plunger 80 from entering thevaginal vault.

The following is a detailed description of a preferred embodiment of thebarrel and plunger of the tampon applicator.

Barrel & Plunger Assembly, referring now to FIGS. 5A-5F,

The tampon applicator 300 comprises a plunger 301 and a barrel 302. Saidplunger 301 and barrel 302 being made of a material that issubstantially biodegradable and substantially water soluble. Saidplunger 301 being of a predetermined length, and having a first end 340and a second end 350. Said second end 350 being a predetermined distancefrom said first end 340. Said plunger 301 being substantiallycylindrical in shape and having a first diameter 341 at said first end340 and a second diameter 351 at said second end 350, wherein said firstdiameter 341 tapers downwards to said second diameter 351. Said plunger301 being hollow from said first end 340 to said second end 350, thushaving a first opening 342 and a second opening 352. Proximate saidfirst end 340, said plunger 301 further comprises a first mating portion360, preferably in the shape of an indentation ring. Proximate the firstend 340 and adjacent said first mating portion 360, said first opening342 of said plunger 301 is formed as a truncated dome 370.

Said barrel 302 having a first end 380 and a second end 390. Said secondend 390 being at a predetermined distance from said first end 380. Saidbarrel 302 being substantially cylindrical in shape and having adiameter greater than the first diameter 341 of said plunger 301, toallow for a substantially “snug” fit of the plunger 301 into said barrel302 whilst preventing the plunger 301 from extending beyond the secondend 390 of said barrel 302 and entering the vaginal vault.

In a preferred embodiment, the barrel 302 is hollow from said first end380 to said second end 390. Said barrel 302 is hollow to allow a pledgetto be inserted therein. Proximate said first end 380 of said barrel 302,there is provided a second mating portion 330 in the shape of a lockingring, to matingly engage said first mating portion 360 of said plunger301 to maintain said plunger 301 in relation to said barrel 302 in afirst position (see FIG. 5C), and to prevent the plunger 301 fromseparating from said barrel 302 during packaging, handling and shipping.Proximate said first end 380 of said barrel 302, adjacent said secondmating portion 330, said barrel 302 further comprises a fingergrip area310 to assist in gripping the barrel 302 of the tampon applicator 300whilst pushing the plunger 301 into the barrel 302 causing the tampon orpledget to be inserted into the vaginal vault. The fingergrip area 310is substantially flange like.

In a preferred embodiment, said tampon applicator further comprises atleast one indicium 320. Preferable said at least one indicium 320comprises a marketing message or logo or the like. Preferably said atleast one indicium 320 is formed during the film forming process of saidbarrel 302 or plunger 301. Referring now to FIG. 3, the plunger is shownwith an indicium 320 thereon. Referring now to FIG. 4, the barrel isshown with an indicium 320 thereon. When the indentation ring 360 of theplunger 301 is inserted into the barrel 302, it will slide until it“locks” within the “V” or “U” groove of the barrel locking ring 330.When the rings of both the barrel and plunger are aligned correctly,there will be a “snug” fit and the barrel and plunger will be secured toeach other in a first position (see FIG. 5D). The rings 330 and 360 actto hold the plunger and barrel together, for shipping andtransportation. However, once in the hands of a consumer, pressureexerted on the end 350 of the plunger 301, the consumer will be able topush the plunger 301 into the barrel 302 to extract the cotton tampon orpledget into the vaginal vault (see FIG. 5E).

Other embodiments of the barrel and plunger configuration are depictedin FIGS. 6A-10E.

In one embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6F, the rim 440 of the plunger401 is tapered outwardly having a diameter 443 greater than the diameter441. In this embodiment the barrel 402 has an embossed ring 432 borderedby indented rings 431 and 433 at the mating area 430. This way there isno need to create an embossed ring on the plunger 401 since its matingfunction is fulfilled by the means of the rim 440 with diameter 443.Preferably, during the manufacturing process of the tampon applicator400, the plunger 401 is inserted into the barrel 402 from the end 490while the end 450 is inserted first till the rim 440 locks into the ring432 (see FIGS. 6C and 6D). This assists in retrieval of the tamponapplicator 400 from the vaginal chamber following the insertion of thetampon by pulling the assembly by the end 450 while avoiding thepossibility of leaving the barrel 402 inside the vaginal chamber.

In another embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 7A-7F, the first end 590 ofthe barrel 502 has a number of petals 591 separated by cuts 592. Petals591 facilitate the insertion of the tampon applicator 500 into thevaginal chamber as well as assisting in the delivery of the tampon orpledget. The pressure of the plunger 501 on the tampon (not illustrated)causes opening of the petals and release of the tampon into the chamber.In this embodiment the plunger 501 comprises a depressed ring 560 tomate with a depressed ring 530 of the barrel 502 to maintain the tamponapplicator 500 together during shipping (see FIG. 7C). In thisembodiment the diameter 551 is greater than the diameter 541 and smallerthan the diameter 531, to prevent extension of the plunger 501 from theend 590 of the barrel 502 (see FIG. 7E).

Indicium 520 shown on barrel 502 is raised. Similarly, indicium 521shown on plunger 501 is raised (see FIG. 7C depicting the plunger and abarrel from the side view). In this embodiment, the indicia 520 and 521when the plunger 501 is inserted into the barrel 502, will matinglyengage with each other to further act as a locking mechanism to preventextension of the plunger 501 from entering the vaginal vault, once thetampon has been inserted (see FIG. 7E). In this instance, indicium 520will be slightly larger than indicium 521 to allow for matinglyengagement.

The barrel and the plunger each may have more than one indicium, eithersubstantially identical to each other, matingly completing each other,such that one indicium matingly engages with the other indicium, orhaving an aesthetical feature.

In yet another embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8F, the barrel 602 hasa tapered end 690 equipped with substantially flexible petals 631facilitating insertion of the tampon applicator 600 into the vaginalchamber. The number of petals may vary, but preferably may be 3, 4 ormore, depending on the manufacturing preferences and material selection.Further in this embodiment the second end 650 of the plunger 601 isclosed and dome-shaped thus creating an air pressure in addition to amechanical pressure during the extraction of the tampon from the barrel602 into the vagina chamber. Further in this embodiment the diameter 651at the end 650 is smaller than the diameter 641 at the end 640.

In still another embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 9A-9F, the matingmember 760 of the plunger 701 is raised and not depressed (see FIG. 9E).Thus the diameter 760 is larger than the diameter 741 while smaller thanthe diameter 751. Further, the mating member 730 of the barrel 702, inthis embodiment, is a plurality of recesses 731, best illustrated inFIG. 9F. The mating of the plunger 701 and the barrel 702 is bestillustrated in FIG. 9D. The number of recesses may vary but preferablycan be 2, 3, 4 or more and the form of those recesses 731 can berounded, triangular or irregular as per manufacturing preferences.

The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 10A-10E is similar to the one atFIGS. 9A-9F, the main difference is that the mating member 830 of thebarrel 802 grips the outer wall of the plunger 801 (see FIG. 10D) withrecesses 831.

All the features illustrated in the provided figures are exemplary andcan be interchanged between the embodiments without departing from thescope of the invention. For example the embodiments in FIGS. 9A-9F and10A-10E may have same leaflets as in FIGS. 8A-8F and so on.

Dissolution Study.

The following is a detailed description of a preferred embodiment of thetampon applicator undergoing a dissolution study.

Two different methods were used to determine disintegration:

1. Using a USP DT (Disintegration Test) Apparatus at 25 C

-   -   The DT apparatus consists of a basket, rack assembly and a        mechanical device to move it up and down. A rigid basket-rack        assembly supporting three cylindrical glass tubes about 106 mm        long, about 32.5 mm in internal diameter and about 3 mm thick,        attached to a mechanical device, which in turn raised and        lowered the basket smoothly at a constant frequency of between        28 and 32 cycles per minute through a distance of 50 to 60 mm.        The tampon applicator was inserted in to the basket and the        dissolution test was conducted. Results are depicted below.

2. Disintegration Test Using Magnetic Stirrer Method

-   -   This test incorporated a 100 ml glass beaker, magnetic stirrer        and magnetic stirrer unit, thermometer, stopwatch, tampon        applicator and distilled water.    -   800 ml of distilled water was placed in the beaker and the        temperature of the water was maintained at 25+/−1° C. The        magnetic stirrer was placed in the beaker. The magnetic stirrer        unit was turned on and the speed was set in order to have a        water vortex of 25+/−5 mm (1″+/−¼″). The tampon applicator was        placed in the beaker and simultaneously the stopwatch was        switched on until 90% of the tampon applicator was dissolved.        Thereupon the stopwatch was switched off. On average, 90% of the        tampon applicator was dissolved between about 38 to about 43        minutes. The remaining 10% dissolved within about 120 minutes        from initiating each study.        Comparison of DT Time

DT time (minutes:seconds) Sample No. Magnetic stirrer method USPapparatus 1 46:18 37:41 2 50:14 38:33 3 43:42 38:55 Average 46:44 38:23

The following is a detailed description of a preferred embodiment of thedipping process used to manufacture the tampon applicator of the presentinvention.

The stainless steel pins are dipped into the solution and slowlywithdrawn to ensure an even distribution of the raw material. The depthof the dip will be in the range of 4-6 mm from the eventual cut line ofthe applicator.

The pins are then flipped 360 degrees in a circular manner to furtherensure even distribution of the film.

With the dome of the pins facing upwards, the pins will now go through adrying phase where the removal of moisture from the film is enhanced bythe addition of warm dry air.

The timing of this process is in the range of about 30-60 minutes andthe moisture level in the film is in the range of 3-7%.

While the foregoing provides a detailed description of a preferredembodiment of the invention, it is to be understood that thisdescription is illustrative only of the principles of the invention andnot limitative. Furthermore, as many changes can be made to theinvention without departing from the scope of the invention, it isintended that all material contained herein be interpreted asillustrative of the invention and not in a limiting sense.

What is claimed is:
 1. A process of manufacturing a biodegradable andwater soluble tampon applicator using film forming technology, saidprocess comprising: i) dipping a plunger pin for the formation of aplunger of a tampon applicator and a barrel pin for the formation of abarrel of a tampon applicator in a composition, said compositioncomprising: a) at least one cellulose-based film forming compoundselected from the group consisting of cellulose ether, andhydroxypropylmethyl cellulose; b) a hydrocolloid and c) at least onecompound selected from the group consisting of sequestering agent,starch, pullulan, and polyvinyl alcohol; for a period of time to allowsaid composition to form a film on each of said plunger pin and saidbarrel pin; ii) allowing said film to dry to a desired moisture leveland a desired film thickness; and iii) stripping said dried film fromeach of said plunger pin and barrel pin; said dried film formed by saidplunger pin forming a plunger of said tampon applicator, said dried filmformed by said barrel pin forming a barrel of said tampon applicatorwherein said plunger moveably fits within said barrel forming a tamponapplicator, said barrel for holding a tampon wherein said sequesteringagent is for water hardness removal and is selected from the groupconsisting of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, acetic acid, boric acid,citric acid, gluconic acid, lactic acid, phosphoric acid, tartaric acidor salts thereof methaphosphates, dihydroxyethylglycine, lecithin orbeta cyclodextrin and combinations thereof.
 2. The process of claim 1,wherein said composition further comprises at least one additive toassist in the film forming process, a plasticizer, a gelatinizing agent,carrageenan, and gellan gum.
 3. The process of claim 1, wherein saidcomposition comprises from about 90 to about 99.98% by weight of acellulose ether or mixture of cellulose ethers with water content ofabout 2 to about 10% by weight, from about 0.01 to about 5% by weight ofa hydrocolloid or mixtures of hydrocolloids, and from about 0.01 toabout 5% by weight of a sequestering agent or agents.
 4. The process ofclaim 1, wherein said composition comprises from about 5 to about 25parts by weight of a water-soluble cellulose derivative, from about 0.1to about 0.5 parts by weight of a gelatinizing agent and from about 0.01to about 0.5 parts by weight of an auxiliary for gelation of saidgelatinizing agent, wherein said auxiliary for gelation is for assistinggelling of said gelatinizing agent at room temperature, said auxiliaryfor gelation of said gelatinizing agent being selected from the groupconsisting of a water soluble compound containing potassium ion,ammonium ion or calcium ion.
 5. The process of claim 4, wherein saiddesired moisture level is 3-7% by weight.
 6. The process of claim 4,wherein said desired film thickness is from about 1.5 to 3 millimeters.7. The process of claim 4, wherein each of said plunger pin and barrelpin are lubricated with a lubricant prior to dipping into saidcomposition.
 8. The process of claim 7, wherein said lubricant isselected from the group consisting of lecithin & lecithin/mineral oil.9. The process of claim 4, wherein said period of time for dipping saidplunger pin and said barrel pin is between 30-60 minutes.
 10. Theprocess of claim 4, wherein once said plunger pin and said barrel pinhave been dipped, each of said dipped pins are rotated 360 degrees in acircular manner for even distribution of said film on each of saidplunger pin and barrel pin.
 11. A process of manufacturing abiodegradable and water soluble tampon applicator using film formingtechnology, said process comprising: i) dipping a plunger pin for theformation of a plunger of a tampon applicator and a barrel pin for theformation of a barrel of a tampon applicator in a composition, saidcomposition selected from at least one of the following: a. i) at leastone cellulose-based film forming compound selected from the groupconsisting of cellulose ether, and hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose; ii) ahydrocolloid and iii) at least one compound selected from a sequesteringagent, starch, pullulan, and polyvinyl alcohol; b. from about 90 toabout 99.98% by weight of a cellulose ether or mixture of celluloseethers with water content of about 2 to about 10% by weight, from about0.01 to about 5% by weight of a hydrocolloid or mixtures ofhydrocolloids, and from about 0.01 to about 5% by weight of asequestering agent or agents; c. from about 5 to about 25 parts byweight of a water-soluble cellulose derivative, from about 0.1 to about0.5 parts by weight of a gelatinizing agent and from about 0.01 to about0.5 parts by weight of an auxiliary for gelation; for a period of timeto allow said composition to form a film on each of said plunger pin andsaid barrel pin; ii) allowing said film to dry to a moisture level of3-7% by weight and a film thickness of from about 1.5 to 3 millimeters;and iii) stripping said dried film from each of said plunger pin andbarrel pin; said dried film formed by said plunger pin forming a plungerof said tampon applicator, said dried film formed by said barrel pinforming a barrel of said tampon applicator wherein said plunger moveablyfits within said barrel forming a tampon applicator, said barrel forholding a tampon wherein said sequestering agent is for water hardnessremoval and is selected from the group consisting ofethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, acetic acid, boric acid, citric acid,gluconic acid, lactic acid, phosphoric acid, tartaric acid or saltsthereof methaphosphates, dihydroxyethylglycine, lecithin or betacyclodextrin and combinations thereof and wherein said auxiliary forgelation is for assisting gelling of said gelatinizing agent at roomtemperature, said auxiliary for gelation of said gelatinizing agentbeing selected from the group consisting of a water soluble compoundcontaining potassium ion, ammonium ion or calcium ion.
 12. The processof claim 11, wherein each of said plunger pin and barrel pin arelubricated with a lubricant prior to dipping into said composition. 13.The process of claim 12, wherein said lubricant is selected from thegroup consisting of lecithin & lecithin/mineral oil.
 14. The process ofclaim 11, wherein said period of time for dipping said plunger pin andsaid barrel pin is between 30-60 minutes.
 15. The process of claim 11,wherein once said plunger pin and said barrel pin have been dipped, eachof said dipped pins are rotated 360 degrees in a circular manner foreven distribution of said film on each of said plunger pin and barrelpin.